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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Afro Samurai
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
NCAA Basketball 09 operates on a new gameplay engine with over 1,000 new animation sequences that deliver a more responsive experience with improved ball physics and more intelligent AI. The new animation system enables gamers to apply pressure defense with new full-court presses and traps. Plus, improved AI and animations enable quicker players to get up and down the floor faster and make better decisions running the lanes and driving to the rim. Animations can be interrupted at any time, enabling you to read and respond to the action on the floor, just like real life. Feel the excitement of game night with the band playing fight songs, the student section leading the cheers and popular ESPN college basketball broadcasters Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler, and Erin Andrews providing the commentary. [Electronic Arts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 77
Worth Playing
In spite of its flaws, though, NCAA Basketball 09 is still a very enjoyable game that will sit very well with fans of the sport. The new tempo-driven gameplay is quite ingenious, and I can't think of a game that does a better job of getting the feel of college basketball just right.
 75
GameFocus
NCAA Basketball 09 captures the essence of collegiate basketball and will give college hoops fan something to smile about. Although the game misses on some points, it’s rather nice to see the franchise improve for the past two years instead of taking a few steps back like its big brother.
74
GameZone
Better than previous outings, NCAA Basketball 09 is a decent game that should challenge and entertain. Add in more game modes, and this game will nail that three-pointer from beyond the arc.
73
Game Informer
NCAA Basketball 09 may not offer the wealth of options or polished gameplay of its former competition, but it’s still a decent baller worthy of a look from hardcore college hoops fans.
72
ZTGameDomain
Overall, while the game is a significant improvement over last years version, it's disappointing that many of the problems with the game weren't ironed out.
71
IGN
There’s plenty missing from NCAA Basketball 09 and the dynasty mode is need of a revamp, but the core basketball is progressing nicely and effectively borrows some of what worked in "NBA Live 09". NCAA 09 needs more to warrant a purchase from basketball diehards, but newbies should be satisfied with what the game has to offer.
70
Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
Gameplay-wise, shooting has been simplified with a Circle button hold-and-release, which feels gimped compared to the now almost-standard analog-flipstick of most ballers. [Jan 2009, p.85]
70
Cheat Code Central
As it stands, outside of its presentation, there isn’t much to write home about. For the newly enrolled, it’s a solid entry in a familiar and seldom changing formula, for veterans, you may as well skip this class.
70
Game Over Online
It’s not too different from last year’s installment, a bit of a step down in my opinion, but still good.
70
GameDaily
The glorious presentation includes realistic animations, arenas that resemble their real-life counterparts and impressive audio commentary from Dick Vitale ("It's awesome, bay-bee!"), Brad Nessler and Erin Andrews.
70
GameSpot
Thanks to a new game engine coupled with improvements to atmosphere and online play, NCAA Basketball 09 is a good game.
70
DarkStation
NCAA Basketball 09 has the underlying element of what could be a huge step in the right direction, but the lack of depth ends up being the games great fault.
67
Gaming Age
It is true that NCAA Basketball 09 isn't a perfect basketball sim, but what it brings to the table is pure enjoyment for any fan that enjoys watching these kids bust their butts every week and not get paid for it.
60
Games Radar
As the only game in town this year, NCAA Basketball 09 pulls its own weight but shouldn’t demand your full attention. Only hardcore hoops fanatics need drop down their hard earned cash; the rest of us can shuffle along just fine without it.
58
1UP
While there's gobs of visual polish, including a vast array of impressive generic player heads, 09's gameplay double dribbles in too many key spots, making this little more than a palatable No. 6 seed -- it's worth supporting if you're a rabid fan of the sport, but it's far from Final Four material.
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